Bethune-Cookman Continues Classic Run with 21-16 Win

ORLANDO, Fla. – Several unique Bethune-Cookman streaks concluded at Saturday’s Florida Blue Florida Classic, but the most important ones continued as the Wildcats downed Florida A&M 21-16 before a Florida Citrus Bowl crowd of 32,317.

Quentin Williams threw for 120 yards and one touchdown, also rushing for 86 yards as the Wildcats won their seventh consecutive game and 13th in conference play dating back to last season.

B-CU had three streaks snapped -- 25 consecutive scoring quarters, seven games without surrendering an offensive touchdown and 17 consecutive games with a interception – but got the big defensive stop needed to win this rivalry game for the second consecutive year.

Florida A&M (4-7, 4-4 MEAC) closed to 21-16 on a Damien Fleming 37-yarder to Dewayne Harvey with 8:04 remaining, then started its final possession on its 47-yard line.

The Rattlers gained one first down, but a Jarkevis Fields tackle for loss pushed the Rattlers back. On the next play, Harold Love III sacked Fleming, who fumbled and Tevin Toney recovered. Officials at first ruled Fleming down, but reversed the call to give B-CU the ball and allowed the Wildcats to run out the clock.

Using a pair of key fourth-down plays, Bethune-Cookman scored on consecutive possessions to take a 21-10 lead.

Isidore Jackson took a pitch on a fourth-and-three for a 34-yard score with 3:13 remaining in the third quarter. On the next possession, Andronicus Lovette converted a fourth-and-three from the FAMU 11, then scored on a 1-yard run with 11:30 left.

The Rattlers took a 10-7 lead on James Owens’ 41-yard run with 4:22 remaining in the second quarter. B-CU had a chance to tie before halftime, but Sven Hurd’s 36-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Devan Roberts on the final play.

After forcing FAMU to settle for a field goal, B-CU took a 7-3 lead on Williams’ one-yard pass to Eddie Poole with 1:09 remaining in the first quarter.

Jackson, who rushed for 77 yards on 13 carries and caught three passes for 41 yards, was named B-CU’s MVP. Poole had five catches for 33 yards. Fields had 11 tackles, followed by Love with six.

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